PATH is a service-intensive program run by ACCA, a community based addition treatment center in Albany established in 1967. PATH services target those who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. Services include outreach, screening and assessment, intensive case management, and integrated treatment for chronically homeless men and women who have substance abuse disorders and co-occurring mental disorders. In each year, services will be provided to 24 men and women, totaling 120 over the lifetime of the grant.

Evaluation & Research

The evaluation is designed to generate data on the populations served and services offered and to assist ACCA in its efforts to implement the program. Specifically, CHSR will review performance data to examine program implementation and help determine if PATH is achieving the goals, objectives, and outcomes as intended. CHSR is conducting a process study and an outcome study:

Process Study: The process study will examine the implementation of PATH with a focus on identifying the ingredients to successful practice as well as barriers to meeting program objectives. The analysis will explore who is served, how PATH operates, how closely implementation matches the program plan, types of deviation from the plan, and effects of deviation from the plan. Additionally, we will examine structural arrangements, staffing configurations, relationships among providers, and partnerships that have emerged.

Outcome Study: We will examine whether PATH clients achieve the following goals: abstain from their primary substance of abuse, participate in educational and vocational training, engage in treatment, and have stable housing. Additionally, we will analyze the contextual and individual factors (i.e. trauma history) that are associated with outcomes.